Hydrophobic properties conferred to Kraft pulp by a laccase-catalysed treatment with lauryl gallate.

•Hydrophobicity was conferred to Kraft pulp by a laccase-lauryl gallate treatment.•Adsorption of phenolic compounds was responsible for pulp hydrophobicity.•Laccase oxidation of lauryl gallate induced formation of oligomers.•Chemical nature and morphology of oligomers play key-role in hydrophobic properties.